Governor Arati links Gachagua to his past political troubles
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of being behind his past political troubles and attempts to intimidate him.
Speaking during a public event on Monday, October 20, 2025, Arati said government officials had been incited against him by Gachagua, creating unnecessary tension in Kisii County.
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Arati claimed that some senior officers who previously served in the region were acting on instructions from the former deputy president. “Walitaka nipige magoti chini. Na nashukuru wale wote walioniombea. Moja yule aliyetolewa ofisini, alikua amechochea hao viongozi wa serikali. Huyo mtu alikua anaitwa Gachagua alikua ameweka fitina kwa county commissioner hapa,” Arati said.
Never bowing to pressure
The governor added that he faced constant harassment from security officers who, he claimed, were acting under political influence. “Hawa askari wote walikua wananikimbisha kila mahali. Lakini mimi nilisimama, na mimi ni yule yule tu,” he stated.
Arati noted that although he had occasionally chosen to soften his approach as governor, he would no longer tolerate what he called unfair treatment from state officers. “Ni vile wakati mwingine, naona kwamba u governor ni kiti… so napoesha makali. Lakini sasa kuelekea mbele kwa sababu nimeona mchezo, siwezi kubali, afadhali nife, siwezi kufa nikiwa nimepiga magoti chini,” he declared.
The Kisii governor said he was determined to serve his people without fear and called for fair treatment of all leaders, regardless of political affiliation. He urged the national government to respect opposition leaders and allow them to perform their duties without intimidation.
Arati’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments following the death of Raila Odinga, where leaders allied to the opposition have called for unity and inclusion in national affairs. The governor said Kenya belongs to all its citizens and that the government should not discriminate against leaders based on political differences.
“National government, wakati mnafanya kazi, hata wale wa upinzani, wapewe nafasi. Kwa sababu kesho unaweza pata kwamba, jua limeanza kuwaka pande ingine. Jua la kisiasa,” he said.
Arati’s comments have drawn attention as he positions himself among outspoken opposition leaders calling for mutual respect and cooperation between both levels of government.
